AUSTIN, Texas (May 1, 2017) – Last week, a Texas House committee unanimously passed a bit that would expand the Texas “Right to Try” law, setting the foundation to nullify in practice some Food and Drug Administration (FDA) rules that deny access to experimental treatments by patients with severe chronic diseases. Rep. Tan Parker (R-Flower…
DENVER Colo. (May 1, 2017) – Last week, a Colorado House committee passed a bill that would take a big step toward closing a federal asset forfeiture loophole. A bipartisan coalition of two representatives and two senators introduced House Bill 1313 (HB1313) on April 3. The legislation primarily creates an extensive reporting system related to…
“Against the insidious wiles of foreign influence, (I conjure you to believe me fellow citizens) the jealousy of a free people ought to be constantly awake; since history and experience prove that foreign influence is one of the most baneful foes of Republican Government.” George Washington Farewell Address — 1796 “The propriety of a law, …
ALBANY, N.Y. (April 30, 2017) – Last Tuesday, two New York Assembly committees passed a bill that would expand the state’s medical marijuana program. Passage of this measure would further nullify the federal prohibition on cannabis in practice. Assm. Richard Gottfried (D-NYC) introduced Assembly Bill 4277 (A4277), along with 31 cosponsors. If passed, New York would…
JACKSON, Miss. (April 30, 2017) – Instead of passing comprehensive asset forfeiture reform that would have also closed a loophole allowing police to circumvent more stringent state laws by passing cases to the feds, Mississippi took a very small step forward and enacted a modest measure increasing asset forfeiture transparency. The Mississippi legislature passed, and…
Whether that's good policy or bad policy for Texas is up to Texas. But it's a decision for Texas, not Washington D.C.
AUGUSTA, Maine (April 28, 2017) – Last week, Maine Gov. Paul LePage vetoed a bill that would have required the legislature to review state regulations adopted to facilitate federal acts. Passage would have opened the door to reject federal mandates. A coalition of three Democrat representatives introduced House Bill 23 (LD23) on Jan. 10. The legislation…
CARSON CITY, Nev. (April 28, 2017) – On Wednesday, the Nevada Senate unanimously passed a bill that would legalize commercial industrial hemp production in the state, setting the foundation to end federal prohibition in effect. A bipartisan coalition of 12 legislators introduced Senate Bill 396 (SB396) last month. The legislation would authorize the cultivation of industrial…
MONTGOMERY, Ala. (Apr. 27, 2017) – An Alabama House bill would withdraw the state from Common Core standards, an important step toward nullifying nationalized education in the state. Rep. Barry Moore (R-Enterprise) introduced House Bill 558 (HB558), called the Alabama Traditional Education Standards Act to void Common Core standards and create a framework to establish…
The Colorado House of Representatives voted 56-7 on Wednesday to pass legislation mandating that "the state, a state agency, or an agency of a political subdivision of the state shall not knowingly assist or aid a federal agency or agency of another state in arresting a Colorado citizen for committing an act that is a Colorado constitutional right."